The Biden Administration is moving forward with a phase out of incandescent light bulbs in favor of much more energy efficient options, like LEDs, according to The Hill. Rules were finalized by the Department of Energy late last year, and the Biden Administration has endeavored to move forward with the phase-out plan that was slowed during the Trump Administration. The phase out becomes official in August 2023.
LEDs last 25-50 times longer than incandescent light bulbs, according to DOE data, and use 75 percent less energy. The shift to LEDs and other efficient lighting is expected to save users more than $3 billion per year. The move will also drastically cut down on carbon emissions – about 222 million metric tons over the next 30 years, equivalent to the annual emissions of 28 million homes.
Manufacturers who violate the phase-out and continue to produce inefficient incandescents can face a fine of up to $542 per light bulb. Halogen and CFL bulbs will also soon be phased out due to their mercury content.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
